South Africa 1-1 Nigeria: Former Super Eagles star explains why Super Eagles draw against Bafana Bafana

Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju has pointed fingers at the playing surface of the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with South Africa in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Nigeria went into the clash six points behind Group C leaders South Africa and had the chance to close the gap with a victory. Instead, the game ended level after William Troost-Ekong’s own goal and Calvin Bassey’s header ensured both sides shared the spoils.

Speaking on Sporty TV after the encounter, Adepoju expressed disappointment at the condition of the pitch, which he said disrupted Nigeria’s rhythm.

He said, “I am not really happy with the kind of pitch that was used for a big game of this nature. As you can see, the Super Eagles players were really struggling to cope with it because it’s a bumpy pitch.

"The players tried their best to adapt, and it’s so unfortunate that Nigeria could only play a 1-1 draw against South Africa.”

The result leaves the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes hanging in the balance, with only two matches left for head coach Eric Chelle and his men to mount a recovery.